Chicago City Wire

Boyd Memorial Hospital is offering free Hands-Only CPR classes to the community, aiming to equip individuals with essential life-saving skills. The sessions are conducted by certified instructor Kris Templin, R.N., and are available for groups ranging from 5 to 15 participants.

The importance of learning Hands-Only CPR is underscored by statistics from the American Heart Association, which indicate that nearly 90% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests result in fatalities. Immediate application of CPR can significantly increase a person's chances of survival, potentially doubling or tripling them. Cardiac arrest remains a leading cause of death in the United States, with over 350,000 cases reported annually. In such emergencies, timely intervention through Hands-Only CPR can maintain blood circulation until professional medical assistance arrives or an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is used.

Boyd Memorial Hospital emphasizes that acquiring this skill can make a critical difference in saving lives, possibly even those of loved ones such as children, spouses, parents, or friends. The hospital's mission focuses on providing quality healthcare and promoting wellness through various services and educational initiatives.

For those interested in participating in these free training sessions, they can contact Kris Templin at Boyd Memorial Hospital by calling (217) 942-6946. The classes cover crucial steps including calling 911 when witnessing a collapse, performing chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 per minute, and using an AED if available.

Boyd Memorial Hospital reiterates its commitment to healthcare excellence with its slogan "Healthcare from the Heart," encouraging community members to learn how they can make a difference during emergencies.